What does gunlock mean?
A gunlock is the locking and firing mechanism of a firearm, particularly the mechanism used in early flintlock guns and muskets. In historical firearms, the gunlock held the priming powder and ignited it when the trigger was pulled, producing the flash that fired the main charge. The term is now largely confined to antique-weapon terminology, museum descriptions, and specialist writing, although it remains readily intelligible as a compound formed from the ordinary words gun and lock. Its historical associations give it a distinctly old-fashioned, technical character, and modern speakers are more likely to say flintlock when they mean the complete firing system or firing mechanism. The word is useful when discussing how firearms developed from simple mechanical devices into increasingly reliable systems. It also has a vivid metaphorical quality: in descriptions of early guns, the lock is often presented as the part that brought the whole weapon to life.
nounThe lock or firing mechanism of a firearm, especially the flintlock mechanism used in early guns and muskets. The term is now chiefly historical or specialized.
- The lock or firing mechanism of a firearm, especially an early flintlock firearm.
"The gunsmith carefully cleaned the antique musket's gunlock before testing the mechanism."
"He replaced the worn gunlock on the antique musket."
"The museum's manual explains how the gunlock was operated."
The standard plural is gunlocks.
"The collection includes firearms with several different types of gunlocks."
The gunlock was the firing brain of an early firearm, translating a pull of the trigger into sparks, flame, and shot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gunlock
Gunlock is an English compound formed from gun and lock, both of which are old words in the language. The compound dates from the early modern period, when firearm locks were significant and distinctive components of military and sporting weapons. Its meaning developed alongside firearms technology, eventually becoming especially associated with the flintlock mechanism. Related compounds such as gunstock, gunpowder, and gunner preserve the same older gun element in a different lexical context.
How gunlock is actually used
The word is now chiefly historical, technical, or used in discussions of antique firearms. It can refer broadly to a firearm's lock mechanism, but it is especially associated with flintlock systems.